Salvation Army Opens Cold Weather Shelter; Approaching Record Turnout

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Anyone who needs shelter from the extremely cold temperatures is urged to come to The Salvation Army's Emergency Cold Weather Shelter, located at 1707 W. Chestnut Expressway.

The Emergency Cold Weather Shelter is on track to assist a record number of individuals this winter. So far, 168 individuals -- including men, women and families with children -- have sought shelter at The Salvation Army's ECWS during the 16 days it has been open.    

Previous Report: Salvation Army Seeing 'Frightening' Turnout at Cold Weather Shelter

"This is already the second highest winter in terms of the number of people who have needed to stay in our cold weather shelter," Jeff Smith, Social Services Director said in a statement Thursday.

Last year, The Salvation Army's Emergency Cold Weather Shelter assisted 95 different individuals during the 12 days it was open. During the 2010-2011 winter season, 195 different individuals sought shelter at The Salvation Army's Emergency Cold Weather Shelter, which is the current record.

The Salvation Army activates its Emergency Cold Weather Shelter when the National Weather Service forecasts a wind chill of at least 14 degrees or when there appears to be a significant need in the community for the emergency shelter to be activated.

ECWS clients are provided with a cot to sleep on during the night, a hot breakfast in the morning, access to shower facilities and assistance with general social services.

The Emergency Cold Weather Shelter is just one of The Salvation Army's many local shelter and housing programs. Every single night, The Salvation Army provides shelter or housing for an average of 70 individuals through programs such as the Family Enrichment Center, New Start Housing, and Harbor House. 

For more information about The Salvation Army or its shelter and housing programs please call (417) 862-5509 or visit www.usc.salvationarmy.org/springfield-mo